focus in on different parts of the head. if i had to do surgery because somebody needed it on the set i could do it right in this room. but chelsea general is like any other hospital. and sometimes complications occur. when they do, people are held accountable here in room 311. >> all right, let's get started, shall we? >> this is the room very few people know about and even fewer people get to see. it is room 311. our characters, you know, often sit in the same seats, for example, we have ty and tina who usually sit over here. you have gato, he is a presence in the back of the room usually. this is the place really where you never want to be if you can avoid it. there is literally this walk where the doctors here for the first time, they're the ones that are going to be in the hot seat when they come to this podium over here. it is a glass podium.

people can really see their body language. the doctor, he is the boss, the only person who can see the entire room, and read everybody's expressions. that was critically important. the ultimate goal of 311 is to make sure that we learn from mistakes. this is how medicine and science moves forward. the worst thing at all would be that a mistake occurs, no one learns from it. room 311 makes sure that doesn't happen. >> monday mornings, premiers this monday at 10:00 p.m. eastern, 9, on our sister station, tnt. i'm don lemon, "the situation room" are wolf blitzer begins right now. guns, immigration, defense, the battle lines are drawn. and the first fights are being fought over the president's second term agenda. former congresswoman gabrielle giffords returns to testify on gun control. her husband, former astronaut,

mark kelly, tells me how she prepared for that emotional event. and sunday super bowl, featuring a rivalry between two brothers. we want to welcome our viewers from around the world. i'm wolf blitzer, you're in "the situation room". >> we're a little over a week away from president obama's state of the union address before congress. but the battles over many of the president's top priorities already are in full swing on capitol hill. both the president and lawmakers started a new push for immigration. this past week, also featured contentious hearings on u.s. defense policy and on slowing the epidemic of gun violence in america. we'll take a closer look at guns, first beginning with vice president joe biden's admission

after meeting with democratic lawmakers on capitol hill. >> nothing we're going to do is going to fundamentally alter or eliminate the possibility of another mass shooting or guarantee that we will bring the deaths down to a thousand a year from what it is now. >> the government's most recent report says nearly 32,000 people died of gun injuries in 2010. many folks think the biggest obstacle to changing any of the nation's gun laws is the national rifle association. cnn crime and justice correspondent joe johns is joining us, taking a look at the money and influence at the nation's capitol. >> right, and wolf, money donated to canada is just one way to measure political influence in washington, like other areas, grass roots

organizing. and with the battle hitting capitol hill this week, we took a look at the money the rifle association has been spending on canada and whether the organization is getting a big bang for its buck. turns out, at least through the last election cycle the answer was not so much. the nra took center stage on capitol hill and didn't give much ground. >> law abiding gun owners will not accept blame for the acts of violent or deranged criminals. nor do we believe that government should dictate what we can lawfully own and use to protect our families. >> reporter: it is the influence of wayne lapierre and the national rifle association that makes gun advocates like diane feinstein, to say it will be an uphill battle. >> they come after you, they put together large amounts of money to defeat you. >> reporter: but he is on a mission to convince his colleagues. >> we need to wake members up to

the fact if they want to do the right thing and join us on gun reform, there is not a political referendum like maybe a decade or two ago. >> reporter: during the 2010 campaign, the nra flooded the area with ads regarding guns, and sherrod brown, and figures for the nonresponsive politics shows that the nra spent over $4 million on the senate campaigns, losing seven out of eight races where they spent over $100,000. money is not the only way to measure influence. >> i think that the nra as a single issue group, is extremely potent as a political force out there. and even though their success rate was less than 50% with

their outside spending in the last election, they have these members, millions of members they can mobilize who are strongly motivated on this issue. >> reporter: many members who they can call on to vote in elections. >> the nra doesn't have the power, but those americans who believe in the second amendment do. >> reporter: nra president king points to the recall as a prime example. that election kept the pro-rights gun advocate scott walker in office. >> gun owners in this country have as much influence as they always have, and perhaps more because guns are more acceptable now than they were ten years ago. >> reporter: and in case you were wondering, besides jeff flake, seven other republicans on the senate judiciary committee have gotten money from the nra for their campaign since 1998. >> there seems to be a little

bit of a split, patrick leahy on one side, on the other, diane feinstein, not all the democrats are on the same page. >> absolutely, it is the kind of thing that gets a lot of democrats thinking about what is going to happen to them in the next election, especially if they come from states that lean republican. >> money still talks. >> it certainly does, and the nra still has clout, perhaps they didn't do well in the last election. >> all right, thank you joe, for that. and we were anticipating fireworks, but it turned out to be even tougher than a lot of us expected. republicans grilled hagel, raising questions about his past statements, his positions, his votes, especially when it comes to israel and iran. at times, hagel struggled to answer. other times, he gave answers he later during the same hearing had to clarify. for the fallout, let's go to our

chief white house correspondent, jessica yellin, it was pretty bruising, but i wonder if it will have a huge result on the outlook, but give us a little background. >> reporter: well, wolf, chuck hagel as you say was battered and bruised but is still standing after what was widely considered an underwhelming performance at the hearing. chuck hagel sat alone at the table, fielding sometimes hostile and tense questions from the colleagues, including one-time senator john mccain. >> that is a direct question, i want a direct answer. >> i'm not going to give you a yes or no answer. >> will the record show -- >> reporter: that exchange centered on hagel's past opposition to the iraq surge, a surge that senator john mccain championed. he looked at past statements. >> no one individual statement defines me. my believes or my record.

>> reporter: he insisted he will lead, not follow, at the pentagon and around the world. >> america must engage in the world. not to retreat from the world. >> reporter: for hours, one republican after another accused the two-term nebraska senator of shading his true believes. among their concerns, past statements criticizing israel. >> do you think that it is right that israel was committing a "sickening slaughter" as you said in the senate? >> name one person in your opinion who is intimidated by the israeli lobby in the united states senate? >> your use of intimidation? i should have used influence. >> reporter: more focus on this area, where he looked at more nuclear weapons, even if the u.s. goes firsts. he says he doesn't agree with all the findings. >> why would you ever put your name on a report that is inconsistent with what you're

telling us today? >> reporter: but the big flash point? iran, where he stumbled talking about basic u.s. policy, calling iran a "legitimate government". >> i do not see iran as a legitimate government. i would like your thoughts on that. >> what i meant to say, it is recognizable. >> reporter: he also meant to say he supports the president's policy of prevention. meaning the u.s. will try to prevent iran from developing a nuclear weapon. but instead, he said? >> i just have been handed a note saying i misspoke and said i supported the president's position on containment. if i said that, i meant to say obviously his position on containment, we don't have a position on containment. >> just to make sure your correction is clear, you do have a position on containment, which is that we do not favor containment? >> we do not favor containment. that is the president's position and that was my position.

>> reporter: well, the administration officials say they believe senator -- former senator hagel has all the votes he needs to get confirmed. and the armed services chairman says a vote on this issue could come as early as thursday. >> but the bottom lean ovine ov the white house, they're still pretty confident he will be confirmed and be the nation's next defense secretary. >> reporter: that is right, not only for the performance in the room but the tv cameras, what really counts is the amount of lobbying and pressure applied. and the sense is it is all working, senator hagel will get the numbers, he has the votes and will be confirmed. >> all right, jessica yellin, how much will his performance hurt him with the democrats and republicans even if he does become the defense secretary. plus, a plea to end gun violence in america. from someone who bears some of the most severe scars.

the former congresswoman gabrielle giffords. her husband, astronaut mark kelly was at her side. he is my guest here in "the situation room." [ woman ] my boyfriend and i were going on vacation,

so i used my citi thankyou card to pick up some accessories. a new belt. some nylons. and what girl wouldn't need new shoes? and with all the points i've been earning, i was able to get us a flight to our favorite climbing spot even on a holiday weekend. ♪ things are definitely looking up. [ male announcer ] with no blackout dates,

you can use your citi thankyou points to travel whenever you want. visit citi.com/thankyoucards to apply. stay top of mind with customers? from deals that bring them in with an offer... to social media promotions that turn fans into customers... to events that engage and create buzz... to e-mails that keep loyal customers coming back, our easy-to-use tools will keep you in front of your customers. see what's right for you at constantcontact.com/try. >> gloria borger, i think everybody agrees that chuck

hagel had a poor performance. he shouldn't have had one, because he had a long time to prepare. the questions going into the hearing -- >> iran, did he think he wouldn't be asked about iran? >> do you think democrats will abandon him? >> i think that is a key question, so far we haven't seen that the democrats are going to jump ship. i think the question you have to look at is what happens on the republican side of the aisle. police people who were tough on him, like john mccain and lindsey graham were clearly not in his camp to begin with. but you have to see whether somebody takes that next step and puts a hold on the nomination. you know, it is one thing to oppose him. it is another thing to put a hold on the nomination and ask for a filibuster, because then you're declaring war on the president. >> then you need 60, in order to confirm him, there are 55 democrats, so you need five republicans.

>> and there were filibuster threats, but i don't think there is a full-scale filibuster to block a cabinet nominee. no question, as gloria said, the republicans, somebody who is in the tribe and moves out is often treated more harshly than somebody who hadn't been there. taking it to the next step -- >> even if he is confirmed, how does that impact as a sitting defense secretary? >> well, this is usually one of the less partisan positions. we saw it from bill clinton to barack obama, who have often reached out to put somebody in from the other party. which of course is what barack obama is doing. as i said, people against him in the hearing are likely not going to be the ones he is looking to as secretary as allies, to begin with. but generally this is a position that works across the aisle because of the position of the

military. >> and he is a man without a home. because he is a republican in name, republicans don't think he is much of a republican. democrats, a lot of them don't -- they're not flthrilled with him because of the israeli comments. but he has to reach out to both sides of the aisle. >> he has work to do. let's talk about the economy and how it potentially could impact the president's political strength this year going into his second term. 157,000 jobs created in january. you take a look at the -- a lot of jobs created last year. still not moving. the economic growth as much as should -- but if you take a look at the jobs that have been created, you take a look at the dow jones. 14,000, it was under 7,000 when he attack office. how much of a political impact will it have on the president going forward on the agenda? >> i think it is a reminder how the dysfunction in congress

could hurt the country going forward. we're not out of this yet, wolf. nothing is robust, as you look at the question of spending cuts, what are you going to do? i think this serves as a reminder that congress needs to get something done. it is just hanging out there. >> you know, it is a low-grade fever, the president is moving very aggressively on his agenda, on immigration, on guns, on the contraception ruling that came out this week. he is speaking on the new coalition -- without economic growth, i mean, that is really the last piece he needs to try to cement this coalition for somebody that would be available for a successor in 2016. without it, it is always an issue. >> i want to play two clips, with secretary of state hillary clinton. this is what she told me in april of last year when we talked about a future run for

the presidency. >> you know they would like you, a lot of democrats and many others -- >> i am flattered and honored. that is not in the future for me, but obviously, i'm hoping that i'll get to cast my vote for a woman running for president of our country. >> and this was her, this past week with a little different tone, speaking to jill doherty. >> i am so looking forward to monday when i have for schedule, no office to go to -- >> you know the field -- i'm sorry, madam secretary, the party says the field is clear and open for you until you make your decision. have you decided that you absolutely will not run? >> well, i have absolutely no plans to run. >> not necessarily a sherman

shermaneskue statement. >> if you have polls where you're in the 60s, in iowa and new hampshire, that has a certain poll of its own. whatever she is thinking today, the pressure on her will grow over the months to run. >> particularly if she gets in the race, i believe that joe biden would not run. and so i think that she freezes the democratic side until she decides what to do. >> let's see what happens, guys thank you so much. and a mother living in fear over being separated from her child. coming up, you will meet a family in the middle of the immigration debate. stay with us. you're in "the situation room."

♪ (train horn) vo: wherever our trains go, the economy comes to life. norfolk southern. one line, infinite possibilities. [ dog ] you know, i just don't think i should have to wait for it! who do you think i am, quicken loans? ♪ at quicken loans, we won't make you wait for it. our efficient, online system allows us to get you through your home loan process fast. which means you'll never have to beg for a quick closing. one more way quicken loans is engineered to amaze. bonkers, look at me when i'm talking to you. one more way quicken loans is engineered to amaze.

[ female announcer ] some people like to pretend a flood could never happen to them. and that their homeowners insurance protects them. [ thunder crashes ] it doesn't. stop pretending. only flood insurance covers floods. ♪ visit floodsmart.gov/pretend to learn your risk.

thyou eat less...ing weiyou lose weight.et. it's a great plan... until you get hungry. that's the time to take slimful. one tasty 90-calorie slimful and a glass of water satisfies hunger for hours making it easier to eat smaller meals, and resist snacking. your friends might think you found the secret to losing weight. but it's no secret... it's slimful. eating less is a beautiful thing. . president obama is promising that comprehensive immigration reform will be a top priority for his second term, even saying

he hopes to get a package passed this summer. many will have their lives changed dramatically, including mothers and fathers living in fear that any day at any moment they could be thrown out of the country, possibly separated from their own children. lisa sylvester is joining us now, when you look at the impact it could have it is really enormous. >> yes, wolf, it gets to the heart of the issue, people say it is important to have the rule of law and not to reward rule-breakers. and that is a very good argument on the macro level, but when you take it down to the micro status, with mixed families, some of them legal, some of them not. a close-knit family always worried they could be torn apart. this couple is undocumented immigrants, her baby, a u.s.

citizen. her brother just received temporary legal status. they all want to stay in the u.s., the place they call home. >> this is my country. i was a teenager when i came here. >> reporter: when marcella and her brother came to the u.s. from el salvador, she was 16 and he was 2012. they went to school, graduated from high school. they always lived in the shadows, ricardo was diagnosed with bone cancer. later, he is cancer-free. now he dreams of becoming a doctor. >> helping folks is what i always wanted, especially after my cancer. like i think i owe the american people back for giving me my life back. >> reporter: what stands in his way is his legal status. for now, he is free of the threat of deportation under the obama deferred action program. but he wants to become a citizen. last year, he joined others to

lobby for comprehensive immigration reform. now with talk of a new bipartisan framework he is optimistic. >> what is necessary is a comprehensive reform with a path to citizenship. i mean, we are pretty much americans, even though undocumented, we are american citizens. >> reporter: but there are many in the country who may take issue with that. according to the latest poll, 43% of americans regarding the u.s. policy say that americans should focus on deporting u.s. immigrants. >> what is your response to that? >> i mean, it is clear that government has stated it is not an option. these are people contributing to our economy, these are people who have lived here probably ten, 15, 20 years. these are people truly americans. >> reporter: when you look at this family you can see why the immigration issue is so hard. >> i have a baby, and i don't know what will happen to me if they deport me to my country.

>> reporter: she lives in fear, and an impossible choice if she ever fears deportation, leave her child in the u.s. to have a better life, or have him stay with her and go to a country that neither of them knows. and they have two american flags, now, ricardo will continue to lobby congress and work as an activist on these issues. >> i am sure he will, the comprehensive reform issue will be a big fight, we'll see what happens. >> yeah, people say the tone has changed, even on the republican side. so president obama is a supporter of comprehensive immigration reform, so we'll see what happens in the coming weeks. >> thank you very much, lisa sylvester for the report. and after emotional testimony on capitol hill, former congresswoman gabrielle giffords and her husband, astronaut mark kelly, meet with us in the "the situation room."

♪ my friends, they do surround me ♪ ♪ i hope this never ends ♪ and we'll be the best of friends ♪ ♪ all set? all set. [ male announcer ] introducing the reimagined 2013 chevrolet traverse, with spacious seating for up to eight. imagine that.

. this past week, senate hearing hearings on guns started with a dramatic statement by former congresswoman gabrielle giffords who survived a gunshot to her head by a would-be assasin just over two years ago. >> we must do something.sin just over two years ago. >> we must do something. it will be hard, but the time is now. you must act. be bold, be courageous, americans are counting on you. thank you. >> very, very dramatic moment at those hearings, and as you saw gifford's husband, the retired

astronaut, mark kelly, was at her side that morning and testified before the senate judiciary committee for hours afterward. >> first of all, let's talk about your wife. how did she prepare for that? because that is really the first time we heard her speak like that over these past two years. >> yes, she suffers from a condition called aphasia because of the gunshot wound to the head. and that is very difficult for her, so she practiced, not for weeks, but we only made the decision to come up here days ago. she put time in getting are -- ready and crafting the speech. so she was involved and we worked on it. >> and we saw the handwritten notes that her speech therapist created. and she was basically reading from the handwritten notes. >> yeah, you can see she is looking up, and even sometimes

she ad libbed, so i think it is important that people hearing it, this is really serious, and we need to do something. >> she spoke from the heart, what do you want the united states congress to do? >> well, certainly we want the united states congress to work together to try the solve the problem. we have even over the last couple of years so much division that it is really hard to get things done. but certainly everybody agrees with we have a problem. we need to close the loopholes, and do something about mental illness, and for us, specifically for what happened in tucson, high-capacity magazines. i don't think anybody has the need for a 33-round magazine like jarod loughner had. or the 100 round that was used in colorado. and we need to look at the lethality of the weapons, and why they're so prevailent in our

society. >> the assault-time weapons, the magazines, that is a major struggle. >> i agree, it does get harder. i could see watching this hearing, you know, many of the republican senators seemed somewhat inclined to do something on the background checks. but when you start talking about banning hardware, you know, people like wayne lapierre who testified alongside me, you know, they're adamant about their position on that issue. but i really think they need to think about this. i mean, these guns were made to kill a lot of people all at once. designed basically for use by the military. i have served in the military for 25 years. you know, i understand how lethal they are. and i honestly don't think you need that kind of weapon to protect yourself. >> but there are still so many gun owners out there who will oppose any kind of restrictions, if you will, on these types of weapons. so look in the camera, talk to them, and tell them why this is

the time for action. >> well, i mean, i can just say you know, we have had many, many, many mass murders in this country. we have had a lot of them. you know, especially recently. i mean what we saw in newtown and colorado, i mean this is unacceptable. i think people understand when somebody does a mass shooting and uses the semiautomatic weapon and assault rifle, twice as many people are hurt and injured. it is something that needs to be addressed, but more than that, a universal background check and closing the loophole. we really need to make sure that the criminals, the mentally ill, and terrorists do not have access to firearms. you know, in fact 72% of the nra members believe there should be a universal background check before buying a gun. 72 or 74%. you would think that the head of the nra who testified today would agree with that position. but he doesn't. >> because here is what a lot of

people don't understand, the new group, americans for responsible solutions, you and gabby have sponsored that. is that going to be the way to counter the nra? >> our goal is not to be the counter to the nra. gabby and i both are supporters of the second amendment, we're both gun owners, i want to protect the rights. we want to have that right to protect your family and property. but that only extends so far. i think part of being a responsible gun owner is to have a responsible background check. i recently bought a hunting rifle at walmart and went through a background check. it didn't take that long to do that. >> at one point i saw you shaking hands with wayne lapierre, did you exchange words? >> yeah, i think i said nice to meet you and enjoyed testifying with you today.

>> let's see where this situation moves on. mark kelly, please pass along our best wishes to gabby, wish her only, only the best, we've all been impressed with her progress over the past two years. >> thank you very much. as tensions rise with north korea, for the first time you can see a google map of the country, and trace the area and hidden prison camps, and more. helps you be ready anytime the moment's right. you can be more confident in your ability to be ready. and the same cialis is the only daily ed tablet approved to treat ed and symptoms of bph, like needing to go frequently or urgently. tell your doctor about all your medical conditions and medications, and ask if your heart is healthy enough for sexual activity. do not take cialis if you take nitrates for chest pain, as this may cause an unsafe drop in blood pressure. do not drink alcohol in excess with cialis. side effects may include headache, upset stomach, delayed backache or muscle ache. to avoid long-term injury, seek immediate medical help for an erection lasting more than four hours.

if you have any sudden decrease or loss in hearing or vision, or if you have any allergic reactions such as rash, hives, swelling of the lips, tongue or throat, or difficulty breathing or swallowing, stop taking cialis and get medical help right away. ask your doctor about cialis for daily use and a 30-tablet free trial. [ male announcer ] when we built the cadillac ats from the ground up to be the world's best sport sedan... ♪ ...people noticed. ♪ the all-new cadillac ats -- 2013 north american car of the year. ♪ for a limited time, take advantage of this exceptional offer on the all-new cadillac ats. exceptional offer so if ydead battery,t tire, need a tow or lock your keys in the car, geico's emergency roadside assistance is there 24/7. oh dear, i got a flat tire.

hmmm. uh... yeah, can you find a take where it's a bit more dramatic on that last line, yeah? yeah i got it right here. someone help me!!! i have a flat tire!!! well it's good... good for me. what do you think? geico. fifteen minutes could save you fifteen percent or more on car insurance.

google has unveiled the newest, most detailed maps of north korea. before, much of the country was simply black, now you can follow roads out of the area to the prison camps.

back in the camp, you can see and zoom in on some of the places i visited when i was in north korea in december of 2010. we're at the prosperity subway station, deep underground. you saw how long it takes to get through the escalators. really, really deep underground, and patriotic pictures. here we are, the square, you can see it is really huge, magnificent. and they often have events here, which is totally understandable. these are all government buildings here, and this is a palace here. if you want to flip over you can see the foreign ministry. i had fun watching the girl's team running. we're running, we're running, everybody is looking good. indeed they were.

the google chairman, eric schmidt, was in north korea last month embracing the country. >> tony is joining us now, you have been to north korea 50 times over the past what? 20 to 30 years? >> yes, just twice in the last two weeks. >> so what is going on with kim jong-un? is there going to be another underground nuclear test? >> yes, they have stated they will conduct another explosion of a nuclear twice, which is a hydrogen bomb, much stronger. >> why are they doing this? >> they're doing it because of the sanctions that were levied, because of the launch of the space vehicle? >> don't they realize these steps will only cause more problems for north korea? >> well, they certainly do,

they're caught in this vicious spiral. we're all going down in this spiral at the moment, they have to find some way to pull back at the brink? >> do you think -- kim jong-un, we don't know much about him, other than he is 30 years old. >> yes, he has to balance the hard line government -- he is not having to give the hard-liners a little more say, as opposed those who are more interested in engaging the world. >> it sounds like he is trying to prove he is a tough guy to the establishment, if you will, in that area? >> yes, because he has been taking away their benefits, diverting the defense budget to the economy in the last ten months or so. >> doesn't look like it, because of the latest nuclear tests, he is still devoting his purpose to the military. >> that is true, as you and i

were there two years ago, you will see in just the past two years, the standard of living has gone up. there are signs of growth, construction, everywhere. there is a bustling atmosphere in the capitol. obviously, he is using some of the defense budget for the economy. >> but a lot of people say that is just for show. if you go outside of pyongyang, you see prison camps, death camps, if you will. people starving. they can't even survive. >> well, that is true, although those problems are pretty much localized to one region of the country. there are pockets of poverty everywhere. but in the northeast corner of the country is where you see most of this havoc, this famine and starving, and these camps are very real. they are what negotiators have always dealt with across the table and will continue to deal with. >> so what you hear you saying, i remember strongly, we were

there for six days in pyongyang, obviously very closely watched. there was a very tense time, a million north korea troops facing the south korean troops. a million american soldiers in between. are we going to see another really tense moment like that in the coming weeks. >> well, as you know, the security is the single most important issue facing korea and the allies, and its partner in china. if we continue to go down this road we will see the spiral go out of control. and then we will see some really, really dangerous situations that we've not seen in the last 50 years. >> because a lot of us thought that he elevated in the west -- a younger guy, has a younger wife, maybe he would be more realistic and open the doors a little bit, but you don't see

that? >> i think we are seeing that, we have the ap with the bureau in pyongyang, it has its share of problems. i'm working with them. >> you have been working with the associated press helping them in north korea? >> yes, and i recently arranged the visit by eric schmidt of google. >> when you went with the former ambassador -- is there any progress made? >> well, yes, i think so they will expand their access to the internet, right now it is limited to a very small pool to people in the intelligence community and among some of the scientists and software engineers. i believe they will open that up. in the same way they opened up the market phone, we have over a million cell phones in north korea. >> thank you very much for coming in. >> thank you. and the actor kevin spacey,

talking about his new role and potentially why the series is a risk.

thyou eat less...ing weiyou lose weight.et. it's a great plan... until you get hungry. that's the time to take slimful. one tasty 90-calorie slimful and a glass of water satisfies hunger for hours making it easier to eat smaller meals, and resist snacking. your friends might think you found the secret to losing weight. but it's no secret... it's slimful. eating less is a beautiful thing.

b . a bold and risky move by netflix. the company is branching out into an original programming, shaking up the tv industry with a 13-episode series called "house of cards," starring kevin spacey. he joined me in "the situation room." that conversation, but first, here is a clip. >> this is the memo i have drafted on the middle east policy we have been developing. now i want to borrow from reagan, i want to coin the phrase -- >> i want to stop you there, we're not nominating you for secretary of state.

i know he made you a promise, but things have changed. >> the nature of promise that they remain immune to circumstances. >> kevin spacey is joining us, from "house of cards." kevin, thank you for joining us. i want to get right to the questions, you have been in a lot of political films, you played a lobbyist, now, the house majority whip in "house of cards." you have been synonymous with politics. what is drawing you to the political roles? >> not only, as you know, wolf, i do a lot of theater and tlafr i can do shakespeare and more classical work. i'm driven by the opportunity to examine current things that are thatting in our world and i guess, when i look at the two other film thaus mention, "recount," which was good gore/bush election in florida and how many days it took us to

find out who our president was and the lobbying industry and what it has done in terms of washington politics and examining that, in the story "casino jack," these are important subjects to understand, to see how we got where we are, and maybe, how can we make it better than it is. >> and reality is almost as outrageous as art. you cannot make it up half the time. >> you are right, kate, i would come back to the hotel in baltimore where we were shooting the first season of "house of cards" and i would watch, you know, this last election cycle that you were you will all a large part of and i watched the news at night and thought, our storiy lines are not that i see contray. they are really not. >> let's talk specifically about this role in "house of cards." the name is francis frank underwood, to prepare, you worked with the current house majority leader, kevin mccarthy

and the house majority whip, what did you learn from them, take us behind the scenes. what did they tell you? >> they were both generous with their time, allowing me to follow them around at the capitol and see, in some sense, just what it is on a day-to-day structural basis to try to control 218 congressman to vote the way you want them to vote. and of course, as we've just seen, it's not easy task. so, i wanted to understand a lot of what it is to actually whip, what it means to whip. i think that's there's something like 62 deputy whips that are out there talking to congressman on why they should vote in a certain way on a certain bill. i got to go to a whip meeting that was informative. and they were up front in answering my questions. a lot of it was off the record. but i found it very, very helpful it's an extraordinary

building. i got to go to the congressional cloakroom, you know, right outside the dome. and it's a pretty remarkable place. and you know, when ywatch even current film like lincoln and a president as beloved and was put in a saintly spectrum in terms of how we view him in our history, he was there doing back door deals to get the votes he needed. so it's an interesting opportunity to examine a fictional congress and majority whip that while he may be d event vious, he will prove to be effective. >> do you think of making the transition to politics? i believe, there was a guy named ronald reagan that made the transition. >> yes, and he was rather successful. perhaps the difference that i would feel is that i'm a person who likes to set a goal and then

achieve it. and i like to get things done. i think if i ever -- i could not imagine entering politics because i think it would be a walking into a profession knowing that you would spend the rest of your life being frustrated. >> kevin spacey's "house of cards." you can't wait to get into it. a lot of people are comparing it to homeland and i'm obsessed about that program. i'm looking forward to what you guys can do in "house of cards." thank you for joining us. >> thank you for having me, guys. >> see ya. >> the super bowl on sunday features a sibling rivalry that is certain to be part of the history of famous brothers. oil changes at meineke are always a great deal.

then you're going to love this. right now they're only $14.95! wow-a grt deal just got a whole lot better. hurry. $14.95 won't last. some serious sibling rivalry

between two brothers on super bowl sunday. one the coach of the 49ers and the other the of the ravens. >> wolf, it is brother against brother this sunday. what everyone is calling the har-bowl, nothing like this has happened before at the super bowl, so how will it turn out for them? well, maybe there are some lessons, we decided to back at pretty much all the famous brothers in history. >> jim harbaugh. >> john harbaugh. >> jim harbaugh. >> john harbaugh. >> one night, one game, one name. coach, coach, jim, john, harbaugh, harbaugh. >> we had a few heights. you know, we had a few arguments, just like all brothers. >> like, first brothers. meet cain, meet abel, see cain kill abel. >> nobody told had him justice was a team sport. >> what does that mean? >> it means sports. football brothers, hoops brothers, wink he will